Spring in the Edward Everett Schoolyard
Saturday, May 31st broke with perfect weather for the spring volunteer work and gardening day at the Everett. Anchored by the fabulous volunteers from Boston Cares, under the direction of Peter Weafer and Rick Wallwork and with donations from BPS Facilities, Boston Cares, BNAN/City Soil, and Mike’s Trees, the group got right to work. Before the official start, outdoor classroom (O.C.) expert Ross Miller arrived to re-install specific science gauges that had gone missing from the O.C., including new thermometers, rain gauges, and a new wind vane. Everett principal Laura Miceli, teacher Sara Gardner, and environmental educator Alicia Zipp worked with group leaders to beautify the schoolyard. Everett alumnus Charlie Watkins, a community service student from the River School, also lent his hand.
Painting projects included re-painting the building’s first floor doors, as well the world map and four square court on the blacktop in back. In gardening and grounds maintenance, both the outdoor classroom and the area above the play equipment saw complete overhauls. In the O.C., paths were re-configured, as weeds were cleared and mulch was applied. The meadow was re-seeded, and wood stumps were added for seating. With the aforementioned installation of new scientific instruments, the outdoor classroom is primed for student learning.
Using the compost donation from City Soil, other volunteers set about improving the soil in some of the raised beds used by Everett students for gardening. This group also worked on the Everett’s own compost piles, breaking them down and bringing one of the bins over near the outdoor classroom.
The last group had the difficult task of removing stubborn weeds from the area above the play equipment in preparation for the new plants and mulch which now grace that hillside.
All told, it was an excellent day and the Everett community is very thankful to everyone who made it so!
Check out the photos below
Painting projects included re-painting the building’s first floor doors, as well the world map and four square court on the blacktop in back. In gardening and grounds maintenance, both the outdoor classroom and the area above the play equipment saw complete overhauls. In the O.C., paths were re-configured, as weeds were cleared and mulch was applied. The meadow was re-seeded, and wood stumps were added for seating. With the aforementioned installation of new scientific instruments, the outdoor classroom is primed for student learning.
Using the compost donation from City Soil, other volunteers set about improving the soil in some of the raised beds used by Everett students for gardening. This group also worked on the Everett’s own compost piles, breaking them down and bringing one of the bins over near the outdoor classroom.
The last group had the difficult task of removing stubborn weeds from the area above the play equipment in preparation for the new plants and mulch which now grace that hillside.
All told, it was an excellent day and the Everett community is very thankful to everyone who made it so!
Check out the photos below
The outdoor classroom looks neat, tidy and ready for students
Website developed and posted by Alicia Zipp, Everett environmental educator